West Virginia Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in WV

West Virginia gambling is legal and regulated, with a mix of traditional and modern rules in place. The state allows commercial gambling, with relatively relaxed laws compared to other states outside of Nevada and Atlantic City. However, private or social gambling is not permitted.

West Virginia has passed legislation allowing for lotteries, racinos, and table games throughout the state. However, the state’s position on online gambling and daily fantasy sports is somewhat unclear, as lawmakers have not yet acted on these issues. In general, West Virginia is considered to be a moderately gambling-friendly state, with a variety of options available for residents and visitors alike.

List of Top Gambling Venues in West Virginia

Related reading: West Virginia online casinos

Best Casinos in West Virginia

1. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a popular casino located in Charles Town, West Virginia. It features a large gaming floor with over 2,500 slot machines and 75 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. Some of the popular slot titles available at the casino include Buffalo Gold Revolution, 88 Fortunes, and Lightning Link. Table games include classics like blackjack and roulette, as well as more unique offerings such as Three Card Poker and Mississippi Stud.

The casino has a large venue of over 90,000 square feet and first opened its doors in 1933 as the Shenandoah Valley Jockey Club. The casino was then expanded and converted to a racetrack in the 1940s before adding casino games in 1997.

In addition to the gaming floor, the establishment also features several dining options, including the Final Cut Steakhouse, Epic Buffet, and Skybox Sports Bar. The Skybox Sports Bar is a popular spot for sports fans, with 31 flat-screen TVs and a menu of pub-style fare. Additionally, the casino has a 150-room hotel on-site with amenities such as a fitness center and outdoor pool. The hotel also offers packages that include gaming credits and dining credits. Other amenities at the casino include a gift shop and live entertainment, with acts ranging from comedians to tribute bands.

2. Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort is a popular destination located in New Cumberland, West Virginia. The casino offers a wide variety of gaming options, including over 1,100 slot machines and 36 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette. The casino also has a dedicated poker room with regular tournaments and cash games. Some of the popular slot titles available at Mountaineer Casino include Dancing Drums, Dragon Link, and Lock it Link.

The venue size of Mountaineer Casino is over 78,000 square feet, and it first opened its doors in 1951 as a horse racing track. Casino gaming was added in the 1990s, and the property has since expanded to include a 357-room hotel, several dining options, and other amenities.

Mountaineer Casino offers several dining options, including the Gatsby Dining Room, which serves upscale American cuisine, and LBV Steak & Pasta, which offers Italian-inspired dishes. There are also several casual dining options, such as the Riverfront Buffet and the Mahogany Sports Bar.

For those looking to stay overnight, Mountaineer Casino has a 357-room hotel on-site. The hotel offers standard guest rooms as well as suites and a luxury spa suite. Other amenities at the property include a fitness center, outdoor pool, and golf course. There are also several entertainment options, including live music at the Harv, a comedy club, and a movie theater.

3. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack

Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack is a popular casino located in Wheeling, West Virginia. The casino features over 1,100 slot machines and 24 table games. There’s a dedicated poker room with regular tournaments and cash games. Some of the popular slot titles available at Wheeling Island Casino include Lightning Link, Buffalo Gold, and Dragon Link.

The venue size of Wheeling Island Casino is over 90,000 square feet, and it first opened its doors in 1866 as a horseracing track. Casino gaming was added in 1994, and the property has since expanded to include a 151-room hotel, multiple dining options, and other amenities.

In addition to gaming, Wheeling Island Casino offers several dining options, including The Pointe Sea & Steak, which serves seafood and steak, and The Buffet, which offers a variety of international cuisines. There are also several casual dining options, such as the Food Court and the Breezeway Café.

4. Mardi Gras Casino and Resort

Mardi Gras Casino and Resort is a lively casino located in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, which first opened in 2008. With over 900 slot machines and 30 table games, players can enjoy favorites such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, or try their luck with popular slot titles like Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and Dancing Drums. The casino also features a dedicated poker room with regular tournaments and cash games.

The property is expansive, spanning over 90,000 square feet and includes a 150-room hotel, multiple dining options, and other amenities. The French Quarter Restaurant serves up Cajun and Creole dishes, while the First Turn Restaurant offers pub-style fare. Guests can also enjoy casual dining options, such as the Crescent City Café and the Bayou Buffet.

Mardi Gras Casino and Resort also features an event center that hosts concerts and live entertainment, as well as several lounges and bars. Free parking is available, and guests can opt for valet parking for a fee.

5. The Greenbrier

Located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, The Greenbrier is a luxury resort that’s home to a private casino open exclusively to overnight guests and members. The casino is loaded with over 320 slot machines and 37 table games that include blackjack, craps, and roulette. Moreover, there’s a private high-limit gaming room for VIP guests who enjoy the thrill of higher stakes. Some of the most popular slot titles available at The Greenbrier include Wheel of Fortune, Blazing 7s, and Monopoly.

The size of the casino at The Greenbrier is relatively small compared to other casinos in West Virginia, measuring approximately 103,000 square feet. It first opened its doors in 2010 and is only accessible to overnight guests and members of The Greenbrier Sporting Club.

Aside from gaming, The Greenbrier boasts several exceptional dining options, including Prime 44 West, where visitors can indulge in sumptuous steak and seafood dishes, and The Forum, offering Italian-inspired cuisine. Additionally, there are several casual dining options, such as Draper’s, serving farm-to-table cuisine, and The Greenbrier Gourmet, where you can treat yourself to heavenly pastries and desserts.

West Virginia’s Gambling Revenues: A Look at the Numbers

West Virginia’s gambling industry has been a significant contributor to the state’s economy for decades. In the fiscal year 2021, the state’s five casinos generated over $520 million in revenue, including table games, slots, sports betting, and online gambling. These revenues are a vital source of income for the state, supporting numerous initiatives and programs.

By law, 35% of the state’s gambling revenues go to the West Virginia General Revenue Fund, which is used to support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety. In addition, 15% of the revenue is allocated to the counties where the casinos are located, with the rest going to the state Lottery Commission.

Moreover, the gambling industry is also a significant employer in West Virginia, providing over 5,000 jobs directly and indirectly. This revenue stream has allowed the state to create more job opportunities for its residents and support the local economy.

West Virginia’s gambling industry has also provided a boost to the state’s tourism sector. With five casinos and several racetracks, the state has become a destination for gambling enthusiasts. The state’s gambling revenues have allowed it to invest in marketing campaigns to attract more visitors, increasing tourism revenue and creating more job opportunities in related industries.

In conclusion, West Virginia’s gambling industry is a crucial revenue source for the state. The revenues generated support essential programs and services and create job opportunities, making a significant contribution to the state’s economy.

Indian Gaming Tribes in West Virginia

The history of Indian gaming in West Virginia can be traced back to the 1980s when the first tribal casinos were established. Today, there are two federally recognized Indian gaming tribes in the state, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Delaware Nation.

Despite being recognized by the federal government, these tribes have faced numerous legal battles over the years. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was involved in a dispute over the legality of their casino, which was eventually resolved in their favor. The Delaware Nation, on the other hand, has been embroiled in a legal battle with the state over the right to offer online gaming.

Despite these quarrels, the Indian gaming tribes have been a significant contributor to the state’s economy, providing over 1,000 jobs and generating over $100 million in annual revenue. These revenues are a vital source of income for the tribes and the state, supporting numerous programs and initiatives.

Moreover, the Indian gaming tribes in West Virginia have a long and rich history, with cultural traditions that are deeply rooted in the state’s heritage. They have played a significant role in the state’s history, and their contributions to the state’s economy and culture continue to be celebrated today.

List of Indian gaming tribes in West Virginia:

• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Delaware Nation

A Historical Overview of Gambling in WV

Horse racing was the first form of legal gambling in the state, and the first horse racing track was built in Charles Town in 1933. By the 1950s, the state had established a state lottery, which was later discontinued in the 1970s due to a lack of interest.

In the 1980s, the state began to explore other forms of gambling as a means to generate revenue and create jobs. In 1986, the state passed a law allowing for video lottery machines, and by 1994, there were over 7,000 machines in operation. The state’s first casino, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, was opened in Chester in 1994, followed by the opening of two other casinos in the following years.

By the 2000s, West Virginia had become a hub for gambling in the region, attracting visitors from neighboring states. The industry continued to grow, and by 2019, the state’s five casinos generated over $1.2 billion in revenue, providing over $600 million in tax revenue for the state.

However, the state’s gambling industry has not been without controversy. In 2001, the state’s Supreme Court ruled that video lottery machines were unconstitutional, leading to their removal from the state’s casinos. However, the machines were later reintroduced with modifications that made them legal.

Moreover, there have been disputes between the state and the Indian gaming tribes over the legality of their casinos. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened their casino in 2010, and the Delaware Nation began offering online gaming in 2019, leading to legal battles with the state.

In recent years, the state has also explored the legalization of sports betting and online gambling, with the passage of bills allowing for both in 2018. The state’s casinos began offering sports betting in 2019, and online gambling was launched in 2020.

In conclusion, West Virginia’s gambling industry has come a long way since the legalization of horse racing in the 1930s. The industry has faced numerous challenges and controversies, but it has become a significant contributor to the state’s economy, providing jobs and generating revenue for the state. While the future of gambling in the state remains uncertain, it is clear that the industry has become an essential part of West Virginia’s history and culture.

Understanding Your Gambling Taxes in West Virginia: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are a resident of West Virginia who enjoys gambling, it’s important to understand your tax obligations. According to state law, all gambling winnings are subject to a flat tax rate of 6.5%. This includes winnings from casino games, sports betting, and lottery games.

For example, if you win $10,000 playing slot machines at a casino in West Virginia, you will owe $650 in taxes to the state. It’s important to note that the casino may also withhold a portion of your winnings for federal taxes, depending on the amount and type of gambling you engaged in.

To pay your gambling taxes in West Virginia, you will need to complete and file a tax return with the state. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a local tax office. It’s important to keep accurate records of your gambling winnings and losses throughout the year to ensure that you are accurately reporting your income.

If you have any questions or concerns about your gambling taxes in West Virginia, it’s recommended that you speak with a tax professional. They can help you navigate the complexities of state and federal tax laws and ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable regulations. By understanding your tax obligations and staying organized throughout the year, you can enjoy your gambling activities with confidence and peace of mind.

West Virginia Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at West Virginia casinos before being taxed? 

All gambling winnings in West Virginia are subject to a flat tax rate of 6.5%. There is no minimum threshold for the amount you can win before being taxed. Whether you win $100 or $10,000, you will owe 6.5% of your winnings to the state.

How to ban yourself from casinos in West Virginia?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to self-exclude from West Virginia casinos, you can do so by visiting the West Virginia Lottery office or the casino where you want to self-exclude. You will need to complete a self-exclusion form and provide a photo ID. Once you self-exclude, you will be barred from entering any West Virginia casino for the duration of the self-exclusion period.

Who regulates gambling in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Lottery Commission is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state. This includes oversight of the state’s casinos, racetracks, and lottery games.

What is the minimum gambling age in West Virginia? 

The minimum gambling age in West Virginia is 21. This applies to all forms of gambling in the state, including casino games, sports betting, and lottery games.

Can I gamble online in West Virginia? 

Yes, online gambling is legal in West Virginia. The state currently allows online sports betting and online casino games. However, you must be physically located within the state’s borders to place a bet.

What types of gambling are legal in West Virginia?

In addition to casinos and online gambling, West Virginia allows for horse racing and greyhound racing at several racetracks throughout the state. The state also operates a lottery, including scratch-off and draw games.

“How many casinos are there in West Virginia?” There are currently five casinos in West Virginia. They are located in the cities of Charles Town, Chester, Cross Lanes, Wheeling, and White Sulphur Springs.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in West Virginia?

Yes, you can deduct gambling losses on your West Virginia state tax return, but only to the extent of your gambling winnings. For example, if you won $1,000 gambling but lost $1,500, you can only deduct $1,000 in losses on your tax return.